The 2020 NatWest everywoman Awards are now open for nominations until 20 July. Against the backdrop of Covid-19, entrepreneurs around the country are already demonstrating their vision as demand for new products and services create opportunity for innovation and enterprise.

The 18th annual NatWest everywoman Awards takes the theme ‘Female entrepreneurship: keeping pace in a changing world’. The platform will identify and celebrate the inspirational female founders whose creativity and resilience will help Britain weather the current economic storm.

Announcing £330 billion in state loan guarantees for businesses and £20 billion in tax relief and grants, alongside earlier efforts in the budget to boost enterprise, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has recognised the invaluable contribution of entrepreneurs and small businesses, which provide three-fifths of employment in the UK.

However, studies show funding for female-led businesses remains lacking, leading to a major economic shortfall. The estimate is that female entrepreneurs could contribute £250 billion to the economy if they had opportunities to start and scale their businesses at the same rate as men.

The awards have built a community of female business owners and role models to share knowledge and ideas; connecting them with advisors, peers as well as potential investors.

Commenting is Karen Gill MBE, co-founder of everywoman. “Since we launched these awards in 2003, we have seen thousands of entrepreneurs share the highs and lows of their business journeys. The country, indeed the world, now faces its biggest economic challenge in generations.

“It will be the entrepreneurs who will be sufficiently adroit to identify and act on the opportunities. All eyes will be on the business community in the months ahead. Our focus will be on the extraordinary women whose vision, energy and ambition will contribute to Britain’s recovery.”

Yvonne Greeves, director of Women in Business at NatWest, adds; “We are very proud to launch this year’s call for nominations to the NatWest everywoman Awards. Now, more than ever, we need to recognise the importance of female entrepreneurship to the economy and inspire women to take their first steps in business.

“NatWest has a network of over 600 everywoman accredited Women in Business specialists who understand our customers’ ambitions and provide business advice, mentoring and networking opportunities.”

 

 

 2020 award categories

• FORTUNA – For a stand-out individual who invests in women-founded businesses.
• GAIA – sponsored by Montezuma’s. For an inspirational female founder of a social enterprise who has combined strong community benefit with a sustainable business model.
• APHRODITE – sponsored by Daily Mail. For to a woman who founded her business whilst raising a child/children aged 12 or under.
• BRAND OF THE FUTURE – sponsored by The White Company. For a female founder of a business that demonstrates great potential for growth.
• ARTEMIS – For an inspirational woman running a business trading for 18 months to 3 years.
• DEMETER – sponsored by Nutriment. For an inspirational woman running a business trading from 3 to 5 years.
• ATHENA – For an inspirational woman running a business trading from 6 to 9 years.
• HERA – For an inspirational woman running a business trading for 10 years or more.

The judging panel comprises female entrepreneurs whose own journeys mirror those of the entrants. For example, Rosaleen Blair CBE (Alexander Mann Solutions); Chrissie Rucker OBE (The White Company); and Melissa Odabash, amongst others. The awards are under the patronage of the UK’s most successful female entrepreneur, Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers.

The NatWest everywoman Awards are free to enter. The closing date for entries has been extended until 20 July. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 2 December 2020 at The Londoner, Leicester Square.

Click here for further information and to nominate.